AI shifts from optional tool to strategic pillar in finance functions

By Vriti Gothi

January 09, 2026

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping how finance functions operate, as chief financial officers step up investment in digital tools aimed at improving efficiency, decision-making and long-term returns. What was once viewed as an experimental or discretionary technology is now becoming a core component of enterprise finance strategies, particularly as organisations navigate economic uncertainty, tighter margins and rising operational complexity.

Across large enterprises, AI is being deployed to automate repetitive, time-intensive processes such as expense management, financial reporting, reconciliation and forecasting. These use cases are delivering immediate operational benefits by reducing manual workloads, improving data accuracy and accelerating reporting cycles. As a result, finance teams are reallocating time and resources toward higher-value activities, including strategic planning, risk management, capital allocation and business partnering. This shift is contributing to improved organisational agility and a growing sense of business confidence among finance leaders.

Aidana Zhakupbekova, CFO at Rydoo, commented, “As more and more finance chiefs realise potential of AI to boost their performance, companies are willing to increase their capex on these digital tools. AI is already revolutionising finance functions of big companies, by automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks and freeing up finance leaders to focus on high-value strategic decisions that drive growth, stability and long-term ROI. This is contributing to a rise in business confidence, underscoring the transformational power of AI when used correctly. But just investing in AI tools is not a remedy for better productivity. Finance departments are complex and fast-moving beasts and the worst thing a CFO can do is disrupt the workflow. Choose technology that integrates with existing company processes or do a phased roll out to ensure a seamless transition. AI isn’t going anywhere, and companies that hesitate risk falling behind. Those leading the way aren’t just adopting technology, they’re ensuring it fits smoothly into existing systems, empowering their teams, and using AI as a catalyst to maintain their competitive advantage.”

However, Zhakupbekova cautioned that technology adoption alone does not automatically translate into productivity gains. Finance departments are often highly interconnected, with tightly coupled processes, legacy systems and regulatory obligations. Poorly planned implementations can introduce friction, disrupt workflows and undermine user adoption.

This emphasis on integration reflects a broader shift in how CFOs evaluate technology investments. Rather than prioritising standalone innovation or headline-grabbing capabilities, finance leaders are increasingly focused on interoperability, data consistency, governance and ease of adoption. Incremental deployments that deliver measurable outcomes — such as faster closes, improved compliance or better spend visibility — are often favoured over large-scale system overhauls that carry higher execution risk.

As AI continues to mature from a tactical automation tool into a strategic enabler, finance leaders are increasingly positioning it at the centre of resilience, competitiveness and sustainable growth. The trend signals a long-term shift in how finance functions are designed, staffed and led — with AI becoming not just a tool for efficiency, but a foundational element of modern financial leadership.

January 09, 2026